Party Rock

For your Viewing Pleasure. Wait until the end for an extra laugh!

60 Years

My mother in law Donna is turning 60 so we celebrated her birthday. Grace got her some paperdolls that they could play together. And we got her this car that she has been wanting for so long. It reminds her of driving her mother around. I thought it was very special.

I also wrote her this poem:

To Donna
the cornerstone of the family,

By the end of these words maybe you’ll see.
The value she brings to each of our hearts,

And what’s mentioned here is only a start.

I know your turning 60 but it’s hard to see,
Because you look great and high-kick better than me.
Your company is fun and you make us all laugh,
Especially at dinners with your glass and a half.

She pays twice as much for all that she buys,
And it’s really quite a lot, she likes the finer things in life.
She brings presents and joy whenever she visits,
But you’d never know it, Papa gets credit.

She’s still working hard, but retirements near,
Oh who am I kidding, we hear that every year.
She is ever committed even when times are rough,
Just ask “Vegas Bob” and you’ll know she is tough.

She always has a lot of help through words when cooking dinner,
To pay you for the “help” you get is a ticket I’m sure is a winner.
And we’ll be here when she does, just waiting for our pay,
Oh nevermind, we’ll never win, it’s not the Boxall way.

She likes to be healthy with good food and walking,
And she’ll beat you each time at scrabble and yahtzee.
She’s really quite amazing I’m lucky you see,
The son she raised into a man, Chose me.

And he’s quite amazing as a husband and a dad,
And it says a lot about the mother that he had.
She puts others first, her entire family.
From her husband, her mom, her sons and even me.

She’s the first one to call when times are tough,
She listens, she cares and she tells you, “you’re loved”.
From Sun Valley, to shopping, to walks around the block,
She makes everything special and I appreciate it a lot.

She’s a great Grandma to Grace, and she loves her so,
When Grandma reads a book to her, on her face it shows.
She’s always on the floor with her playing games and toys,
And is equally amazing to both the little boys.

Thanks will never be enough to show what she means,
Forever in her debt we will be, it seems.
And so this poem comes to an end,
For my Mother in Law, who is also my friend.

A Thanksgiving in Boise

We had a wonderful time in Boise for Thanksgiving. Grace had such a fun time with her cousins.

And climbing trees.

Fun and Christmas Joy

Grace just loves her Stella so much. I thought this was such a cute picture.Art and Pie played in the snow and built a fort or a house depends on who you ask.

We went to a wedding reception for one of my tutors. Grace had a great time dancing.

She even made a friend to dance with.

Art put up the Christmas lights. Grace loved it.

She had to give everything kisses.

So fun. I love and appreciate that he does this every year. Christmas lights are one of my favorite things and he does a very good job.

We watch the Grinch later that night and talked about what Grace wants for Christmas, well we came up with, a Baby sister, a train, a chocolate train, and Candy (which is funny, because she really isn't that into Candy). She cracks me up.

Sleepover at Papa's House

Grace had her very first sleep over at Papa's house while I was at the hospital with Pete. She and Miles had so much fun. They fed the horses, the goat, the pigs and the chickens (she even rode a pig-so she says on the phone, but it didn't happen.)

Cute little munchies sleeping. When I got back they both were my kids for a couple of days. It was actually really hard when I left and Miles didn't come too. It amazing how quickly I got attached and used to having him around.

And yes I let them dress as dinosaurs for an entire day-because they wanted to. We even went to lunch while still in costume. They are so fun!

Finlee June

This little beauty made her appearance on Sunday. She was 7 lbs 2 oz 21 inches long. She had a bit of a scary start and Elessa also had a few challenges-but they are both champs. I can't believe how beautiful she is.

Grace LOVES her. She cried when someone else took her to hold her. She has also since then decided she wants a baby sister for Christmas. I am afraid she is going to be a little disappointed this year as it just isn't in the cards-even though we wish it was.

I just love her so much! She had to have oxygen for a while, but she is a champ now and as soon as she gets over the Jaundice, life will be good. What a trooper!

Disney On Ice

We took the kids to Disney on Ice. Elessa was determined to go even though she was having contractions through the entire thing. Amber and Elessa and their kids came up. It was so much fun. All of the kids dressed up. Grace wanted to be Minnie.

These two had so much fun together and wanted to hold each other's hands. They were such good kids and so cute!

The rest of the kiddos.

Miles enjoying the show.

Pie and I enjoying the show.

It really was a great time and we look forward to going again next year!

Fire Station #2

Grace went with her class to the Fire Station. She was being "quiet" and "good" so she would get to go.
They all lined up and held on to walk to the station across the street. In the Fireman's hat. And watching as they learned about their gear.
The fireman all dressed up. I had to keep telling Grace he was nice because she was a little afraid of him, especially when the truck was really loud in the background.
They put the ladder up so the kids could see and a fireman climbed it.
They got to jump up and walk through the truck too.

Shaye was there too. Grace had a lot of fun and gave the fireman lots of high fives.
The whole class. I am so glad I get to participate in her school trips. I feel very lucky that she is right here with me all day.

Freeze Game

This child loves the freeze game more than any other (From Yo Gabba Gabba) This is her drop at the end.Running with Daddy. She will play at any time of the day.
Walking...
And Freezing (have to make sure everyone is watching us freeze). I love it, and I love playing it with her. She is too much fun!